Colonial house caretakers use modern tools to bring in visitors

Tuesday

Oct 1, 2013 at 1:45 PM

Colonial meets modern with the latest changes at the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens

By Laura MooreCommunity@StarNewsOnline.com

Colonial meets modern with the latest changes happening at downtown Wilmington's historic attraction, the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens.A new logo and website, Facebook page and Twitter account are just some of the high-tech changes that are getting the news out about renovations and attractions the museum house has to offer, including a new, ever-growing gift shop and beautifully landscaped courtyard now being offered for event rental.A recent kitchen rehab makes it "caterer-friendly" for events like weddings and other private events and celebrations to make use of the courtyard and gardens. Reservations are currently being taken."There's really no place like it," Executive Director Joy Allen said.Allen is the first executive director to be named to the state society of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America, which owns and operates the house. It also serves as the state society's headquarters."We keep evolving. What we know about history changes and our audience changes, so the way we present should evolve too," Allen said. "Our new mantra is ‘continuous improvement.' Nothing is ever done; it is a work in progress."Many of the changes arose from recommendations made from a Museum Assessment Program the house took part in recently, "in order to remain effective and relevant," Allen said. A visitor experience manager, Christine Lamberton has been hired to breathe new life into the museum."We are excited to have Christine. She has her master's in Public History from UNC-Wilmington, and her knowledge, skill, energy and enthusiasm has already been a great asset," Allen said. Fourth-graders from around the area have been visiting the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens for 40 years. But with Lamberton's help, they are having more fun than ever on their visits."From surveys we give our teachers after the trip, we get immediate feedback and from their recommendations we've incorporated more hands-on learning, playing Colonial games and giving them the chance to touch and compare Colonial and modern items," Lamberton said.Madeline Flagler, executive director of the Wrightsville Beach Museum, is doing research and writing a new tour for the museum house that will include more stories about people, including John Burgwin's daughter, Eliza. Recently, 17 volumes of Eliza's diaries have been digitized and their contents are being studied."It is very unique to have a Colonial female perspective and to learn what it was like to be a woman at that time," Lamberton said. "The first two volumes are her family's history and the remaining is her own life story. She writes until she passes away."For this project and others, Lamberton is employing the help of UNCW interns from the Public History program."It is exciting to have these students and get their energy and fresh perspective and ideas on exhibits and lectures," Lamberton said. "It is just another way to include the community and provide educational opportunities."Such patriotic service is the mission of the NSCDA."We are aspiring for more community engagement," Allen said. "Lectures, presentations, classes – there are endless possibilities. Our ultimate goal is to have something for the public every month by offering a variety of tours."Allen plans to have these tours coincide with national holidays and local events. It is a unique and valuable piece of Wilmington history. "It is the only place to come in Wilmington to get a sense of this beautiful Georgian architecture," Allen said. "We are one of only three houses that have survived from the Colonial era, and we are the only one open to the public."The Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, 224 Market St., is open for tours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. The last tour starts at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. It is a Blue Star Museum, so active military and families visit for free between Memorial Day and Labor Day.For more information, visit burgwinwrighthouse.com, call 762-4523, or search for Burgwin-Wright House on Facebook and Twitter.